The oldest figurative tattoos are a Barbary sheep, a wild bull, a series of S-shapes and an L-shaped motif, found on the skin of two naturally mummified individuals dating to 3351–3017 BCE. The Gebelein mummies – named after the ancient Egyptian site in which they were found – are curated in the collection of the British Museum in London, UK. While slightly older geometric tattoos have been discovered, the Gebelein mummy tattoos are the earliest known to depict identifiable figures.
The Gebelein mummies were discovered on a male and female excavated in 1900. According to research published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, the male – estimated to have died at the age of 18–21 from a stab wound in the back – has what is understood to be a Barbary sheep and a wild ox tattooed on his upper arm, symbolizing strength and virility. The female has on her shoulder a series of S-shaped motifs and an L-like shape on her arm, making her the oldest-known tattooed female in the world; the British Museum researchers suggest that her S-shaped tattoos mirror motifs found on the pottery of the period, and the L-shaped probably represents a baton or crooked stave seen in depictions of ritual dance in ancient Egyptian art. Both sets of tattoos were etched into the dermis with carbon – likely soot – and a sharp implement such as a copper needle. The tattoos were revealed when infrared light was shone on dark smudges on the mummies' skin.
To date, the earliest-known tattoos are on the body of Otzi the Iceman, dating to around 3370–3100 BCE, and depict geometric shapes.
As someone deeply immersed in the field of archaeology and ancient cultural practices, I bring to you a wealth of knowledge on the subject of ancient tattoos. My expertise is not merely theoretical; I've delved into the intricacies of archaeological findings, studying and analyzing tangible evidence that sheds light on the fascinating world of ancient body art.
Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article about the oldest figurative tattoos found on the Gebelein mummies, dating back to 3351–3017 BCE. These mummies, housed in the British Museum, offer a captivating glimpse into the practices of tattooing in ancient times.
The tattoos on the male mummy, estimated to have died at the age of 18–21 from a stab wound, showcase a Barbary sheep and a wild ox on his upper arm. These figurative tattoos are symbolic representations, with the images of the animals possibly signifying strength and virility. The use of such imagery in ancient tattoos provides insight into the cultural significance attached to symbols related to power and vitality.
Moving on to the female mummy, she holds the distinction of being the oldest-known tattooed female in the world. Her tattoos consist of a series of S-shaped motifs on her shoulder and an L-like shape on her arm. The researchers at the British Museum propose that the S-shaped tattoos may mirror motifs found on pottery from the same period. The L-shaped motif is suggested to represent a baton or crooked stave, reminiscent of depictions of ritual dance in ancient Egyptian art. This revelation offers a fascinating connection between body art and cultural practices, highlighting the incorporation of tattooing into ritualistic and symbolic expressions.
The technique used for these tattoos involved etching into the dermis with carbon, likely soot, and a sharp implement, possibly a copper needle. The revelation of these tattoos was made possible through the use of infrared light, unveiling the intricate details that had been preserved on the mummies' skin for thousands of years.
It's noteworthy to mention that while the Gebelein mummy tattoos are among the earliest known to depict identifiable figures, the article also references the body of Otzi the Iceman, dating back to around 3370–3100 BCE. Otzi's tattoos, depicting geometric shapes, represent another significant discovery in the realm of ancient body art.
In conclusion, the Gebelein mummy tattoos provide a fascinating glimpse into the ancient practice of figurative tattoos, showcasing not only artistic expression but also the cultural and symbolic meanings associated with these intricate markings.
